Wednesday, October 8, 2014

An Essay on Science and Technology

For these past few decades, it is noticeable that the Philippines has been experiencing immense changes in its several aspects. The most obvious aspect that changed the country and the world’s perspective on it is perhaps the advancement of science and technology.  If one would compare the country’s scientific and technological conditions during the years between 1990’s and 2000’s and during these recent years, it is to be expected of him to say that there is indeed a growing progress in one way or another with the knowledge of science and products of technology.

Among other countries of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is considered to be one of the most sophisticated in terms of science and technology. But in comparison with the rest of the globe, it is a fact not to be neglected that the country belongs to the group of nations still coping with the stresses of globalization which include science and technology. The country is both old and young—that is, it still is on its way towards the verge of its development despite being one of the few countries that have long been developing in the past. And this makes the Philippines a country quite easily influenced and manipulated by whatever new and overwhelming improvements science and technology may have.

The Philippines, yes, is a scientifically and technologically advanced nation; as intellectual beings, Filipinos use science and technology quite well in their everyday lives. Nevertheless with this advancement, it is distressing to note that there is little responsibility that follows suit. Just take into consideration the improper disposal of waste materials that is clearly rampant in our country today. Or the use and abuse of prohibited drugs and substances. Or the escalating number of video and photographic scandals that are widespread in the internet and cellular phones. These are just some of the common yet alarming things that greet us everyday as we traverse the ocean of life with science and technology as our vessel. If this situation continues, it is possible that we will get loaded with all these things in life that we finally sink into the abyss of deterioration of science and technology.

With this situation coming into mind, the country is therefore in need of effective and appropriate information dissemination as to the impact of science and technology in the lives of people, as well as the ways on how to use science and technology more responsibly and efficiently. Of all the professions I can take toward the advancement of science and technology in our country, teaching probably would be the most effective. This, for my part, is a sort of mission to be able to help my fellow Filipinos, especially the youth who will build the future of the country, in making use of their God-given intelligence and sharing their scientific knowledge to others through the aid of their skills and abilities applied in the field of technology. There really is more that the Filipinos can do if only we weren’t too hesitant to look at and understand the ways science and technology affect our everyday lives. And this needs to be changed by helping Filipinos understand the role of science and technology in the development of our nation.

The impact science and technology have on the lives of Filipinos is very indispensable that it seems that Filipinos cannot live a proper life without it. From the very basic necessities to the most complex accessories we have, science and technology act as the principal means of obtaining these products with ease and efficacy. It is science and technology that make our everyday lives more suitable to live by providing the basic needs of man in the most convenient way possible. Having these needs being fostered, man can grow well into a mentally and socially capable being and thus is able to accomplish more than what is expected of him in his own function in the society and country, ultimately leading to the nation’s development as a whole.

One of the most basic commodities of human is food. In agriculture, it is very clear to regard that in these past few years there is indeed a major change in terms of the cultivation and production of food and the improvement of nutrition. Newer and more efficient ways of farming and food processing are being discovered and carried out today. With food as our fundamental energy source, this change has very much affected the lives of every Filipino citizen in that every thought he thinks and every action he does are all results of the food he takes into his body. Hence, the mental and physical development of every individual Filipino is in the hands of the farming industries and food development establishments. The same approach applies to the development of the country: national development lies in the hands of every Filipino which makes actions that sustain the country’s performance to the globe.

In the science of engineering, science and technology also take part in the fast improvement of the manner buildings, bridges, roads and machines are designed and constructed. More innovative ideas and concepts are kept track and implemented so as to arrive to more efficient products of technology.

Communications technology is an area of development in the country that is presently very much affected by science and technology. All forms of media allow us to muster ourselves with the realities of the fast-changing world, especially in the scenarios of our country today. More and more devices and means of telecommunication and transportation are being generated which facilitate us in the smoothness in doing our efforts of making a better nation for tomorrow.


These are just some of the many branches of learning in which science and technology have influenced for the development of the country. Just imagine what the country would be without our efforts of applying our knowledge in science and skills in technology to areas important for the growth of the nation. Surely we must be something we cannot imagine.

HOSEA (A Reflection)

            “Long have I waited for your coming home to Me…”

The lyrics of the song Hosea written above keep repeating inside my head. It is what guides reminds me of His longing for me. I, too, longed for Him. I’ve been waiting to attend in any recollection or seminar on spirituality for about ten long months. Now that I’ve finally been through it, I can say it’s all worth the wait. And now, I’ve decided to start my life anew. Thanks be to God.

          The questions during the first session of the recollection startled me, especially that one which made me ponder: What is my id quid volo? Something stirred in my heart when the facilitator, Kuya Jhong, wrote down the meaning of those words: that which I desire. Desire? What do I truly desire? I asked myself. I paused, just like everyone else, and recollected all that had happened to me, especially those recent ones. I remember mostly the negative memories—my failures, my doubts, my mistakes, etc. A picture of the Red Mass flashed on my mind, and I remembered Fr. Jett’s message on returning. That’s it, I thought, I need to return to the One where I came from. And from then on, my tears never stopped falling until it was my turn to share my answers to the group. The sharing wasn’t that explicit, but I felt relieved afterwards.

          Even though I had shared a part of me to the group, I still felt that there was something missing. And thanks to the recollection and Kuya Jhong who facilitated it for us, we had been given the opportunity to pray in silence to the Lord.  During the 27-minute prayer, I couldn’t hold back my tears for I clearly heard the Lord speaking to me through the scripture. It was as if I was reading a love letter from a very passionate and obsessed lover: God. And this was what he told me: You are still beautiful in my eyes. After all the mistakes that I have done (and He knows all of them), why do I still hear those loving words from Him? Why does He still accept my being me? Doesn’t He get tired of hearing my repetitive “sorry’s”? I felt His embrace around me, but I felt I can’t receive it all because I felt ashamed of myself. I felt undeserving. I knew He made it all clear to me—that He loves me still and for always—but I found it hard to accept that reality because of the mistakes I have done in the past. As a Catholic, I felt I need a confession. He heard my plea and gave it to me.


          Finally, after the confession, I felt I can fully welcome Him into my life. I never felt ashamed anymore, and all the bad memories I had were erased in my mind just as quickly as when He gave that assuring smile and warm embrace after the confession. Long have I waited for my coming home to Him, and longer has He waited for me to return to Him. May He continue to inspire me to live on with my life with Him in prayer, faith and love, as I also continue to do my part in His plan for me. AmDg.